Handforth Hall, Cheshire

It seems extraordinary to think of it when looking at this beautiful house, immaculately maintained and set in its topiary garden, that we first encountered it some thirty years ago as a case. Then it was boarded up and the subject of an application to demolish.

We, and others, repeatedly said No and in the end it was the market that has saved it – there is never a reason to destroy beauty personified as history like this – as there are many people who will give their eyeteeth to live in a building like Handforth.

The Hall was first constructed in 1562 and is a fine example of the Black and White tradition in timber framing for which the North West is famous.